After walking just a short distance from the station, an entire row of historic old buildings came into view, immediately catching my eye. This area was once a bustling center of commerce. To protect valuable goods from fire, buildings were constructed using distinctive fire-resistant techniques. With black roof tiles, white walls, and imposing kura-style storehouses, walking through the streets feels like stepping straight into a period drama.
While strolling along Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street, there’s plenty of food to explore in addition to the Edo-period atmosphere. There’s the extremely popular Kawagoe Pudding, with its smooth, rich texture, and the charcoal-grilled eel rice at the famous Ogakiku, where people line up. In the cold winter wind, a skewer of piping-hot grilled dango with just the right balance of sweet and savory is especially warming and satisfying. This old street is full of stories, delicious food, fun things to do, and great photo spots. Every corner makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
